Stan the Man Returns

RICHMOND, VA - (Monday, February 14, 2011) - The Richmond Kickers are pleased to announce that midfielder Stanley Nyazamba will return to Richmond for the 2011 season, pending USSF and Visa approval.

"It is our pleasure to welcome Stanley back to Richmond," comments Leigh Cowlishaw, Richmond Kickers Head Coach and Director of Soccer. "He made an immediate impact in his brief time with us in 2008 and I know he is eager to make a similar impact second time around. Our fans loved Stanley's style, passion and enthusiasm for the game and there is no doubt Kickers fans will be excited about his return."

Named 2008 USL-2 Rookie of the Year, Nyazamba quickly became one of the Kickers top scorers, tallying eight goals and two assists overall for 18 points. Picking up Team of the Week honors on two occasions, he concluded his rookie campaign third on the team in scoring, and finished in the top 10 in goals and points in the league. Following the Kickers 2008 campaign, Nyazamba became the 22nd Kicker to advance to Major League Soccer, signing a developmental contract with the Columbus Crew. Most recently, the native of Bulawayo, Zimbabwe spent the 2010 season with the NASL side FC Tampa Bay where he posted over 1,000 minutes in 25 appearances, adding two assists.

Drafted in the second round of the 2008 Major Indoor Soccer League College Draft by the now-defunct Detroit Ignition, Nyazamba joined the Kickers professional squad upon graduating from Lee University of the NAIA Conference. The three-time All-Conference First Team honoree earned a place on the 2007 All-American First Team and was named a NAIA All-American Scholar Athlete his senior season. During his tenure at Lee, the Flames posted a record of 53-14-2 and made two NAIA National Tournament appearances. Adding 12 goals and 20 assists his senior year, the 6'1" midfielder finished with 28 goals and 44 points over three seasons, eclipsing the All-Time Assists Leader at Lee University with 60 assists overall.

Reserve your 2011 Season Passes and join the Richmond Kickers when they open the USL PRO campaign, hosting Orlando City on Saturday, April 2 at 5:00 p.m. at Richmond City Stadium. Taking the field for their 19th season, the Kickers will compete alongside American Division rivals Charlotte Eagles, Charleston Battery, Orlando City and Wilmington Hammerheads and will also face National and International opponents Dayton Dutch Lions, Harrisburg City Islanders, FC New York, Pittsburgh Riverhounds, Rochester Rhinos, Antigua Barracuda FC, Los Angeles Blues, Puerto Rico United and Sevilla FC Puerto Rico of the 24-game season. Visit RichmondKickers.com for schedules and ticket information.